Verizon Introduces Static IP Address for Small- and Medium-Sized Business Customers in Five Midwestern States

NEW YORK - Verizon has upgraded its existing network in the Midwest to allow small- and medium-sized business customers to order a static IP address for use with their Verizon High Speed Internet for Business service. A static IP address, a permanent address on the Internet, enables a business to make company information available for telecommuters, host Web sites and e-mail servers, and conduct webcasts, among other things.

"Static IP addresses provide business customers a powerful tool to maximize their Internet experience, so we have enhanced our network," said Matthew Trammel, manager of business broadband services for Verizon Online. "Now our small- and medium-sized business customers have one more option, which allows them to customize services to meet their business needs."

Verizon Online's small- and medium-sized business customers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin will now have the option to choose a static IP address. Previously, customers in Ohio and many parts of the other states could only get a dynamic IP address when they subscribed to Verizon High Speed Internet for Business. For many businesses, a dynamic IP address - an address that changes each time a user logs onto the Internet -- is sufficient.

But, Trammel said, "Businesses are doing more online, and activities like e-commerce - hosting a Web site to sell products - require a static IP address. As business applications become more advanced, the demand for static IP addresses is growing."

Verizon High Speed Internet for Business offers customers a maximum connection speed of up to 7.1 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 768 kbps (kilobits per second) upstream with a dynamic IP address for $99.99 a month or with a static IP address for $199.99 a month. A static IP address service offering speeds of up to 3 Mbps downstream and 768 kbps upstream costs $79.99 per month. Verizon High Speed Internet for Business packages require a one-year contract.

Qualifying Verizon High Speed Internet for Business packages include Verizon Internet Security Suite for one computer, unlimited remote dial-up access, a choice between three domain-name business e-mail accounts or 10 Verizon.net e-mail accounts, and other features. Verizon enables businesses to customize the solutions they need to better compete in the marketplace. In addition to broadband Internet access, solutions include online backup and storage, e-mail encryption and communications management tools.

Verizon Online also offers high-speed Internet service using digital subscriber line technology to many of its residential customers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Verizon was recently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates in its 2007 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Services Study for the "Highest Customer Satisfaction With Small/Midsize Business Data Service Providers."

More information about Verizon's products and services for small businesses can be obtained at www.verizon.com/business or by calling 1-888-649-9500. For news, resources and more tools for Verizon's business customers, visit the Verizon Small Business Center at http://business.verizon.net.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 63.7 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of nearly 238,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.